Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologists usually work in hospitals, day surgery clinics and other health care settings. Under direct supervision, the surgical technologists are members of the operating room team that most commonly includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check to ensure all equipment is working properly.

This course will cover the surgical technologist's role beginning from pre-op preparation, during the operative procedure and finish with post-operative room break down.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the legal and ethical issues of surgical technology
• Understand the scope of practice, risk management and liability issues
• Knowledge and practice of the asepsis and sterile technique
• Practice of safe patient care and safe surgical practices/li>
• Discuss blood-borne pathogens related to the surgical environment
• Recognize specific drug classifications and their characteristics
• Discuss the various types of suture and each application
• Recognize basic surgical instruments and discuss their application
• Describe preoperative routines
• Discuss and demonstrate the principle of surgical positioning and draping
• Demonstrate appropriate technique for gowning and gloving of self and other team members
• Knowledge of instrument set ups required by a variety of surgical procedures
• Identify basic instruments by type, function, and name
• Identify and prepare supplies used in the OR
• Identify the basic organizational structures of the human body and the function of the body systems as they apply to surgery

Certification Opportunities

Queensborough Community College's Surgical Tech Certificate Program is recognized by the American Allied Health (AAH) and the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA). Students may also be eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Workers Association (NHCWA) provided they meet certain work experience requirements.  In addition to successfully completing the certification exam, certified candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to maintain certification. 

 

	American Allied Health (AAH) Surgical Technologist Certification
	National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Surgical Technologist (STC)